



r^.c« 



! UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, f I 






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RULES 



FOR THE STANDARD 



GAME OF CROQUET 



AS ADOPTED BY 



THE HATIONAL CROQUET LEAfiDE, 



PHILADELPHIA: 

J. B. LIPPINOOTT & 00. 

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RULES 



FOR THE 



Standard Game of Croquet. 



AS ADOPTED BY 



/ 
THE NATIONAL CROQUET LEAGUE. 



i 



TOGETHER WITH ITS 



CONSTITUTION; BY-LAWS, AND CODE OE GOVERNMENT OF 
ERIENDLY CONTESTS. 



"i 



.y. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

J. B. LIPPII^OOTT & CO. 

1880. 






Copyright, 1880, by J. B. Lippinoott & Co. 



OOI^TET^TS. 



PAGE 

Introduction 5 

Contention . . 8 

KuLEs : 

I.— The Grounds . . . .- 11 

II.— Players . . 11 

III. — Implements 12 

IV.— Position . . . . . _ 13 

v.— Striking. . . .14 

VI. — Advancing 16 

VII.— Koquet . . . 17 

VIII.— Splitting 19 

IX.— Dead Balls . 20 

X.— Rovers .22 

XI.— Placements 22 

XII.— Recording . 23 

XIIL— TheEnd . 23 

Constitution 24 

By-Laws . . . .... . . . . .26 

Code for the Government of Friendly Contests between 
Clubs of the "National Croquet League" . . .28 



RULES 



FOR THE 



STANDARD GAME OF CROQUET. 



INTRODUCTION. 

During the past few years this game has grown rapidly 
in popularity, as also improved materially in its points of 
interest. It has withstood all competition as the most 
pleasing lawn sport and invigorating, health-giving exercise. 

Successive efforts have been made in various parts of 
this country to have enacted a code of rules which shall 
be received as of authority, and which might represent the 
highest style of play. 

The game has very naturally divided into two sorts, viz., 
the "loose" and the "tight" games. The peculiarities are 
marked and well defined, each style having its respective 
adherents. 

The divergence is in the play, which is required to follow 
the roquet in the " loose" game, it being the split or (as 
formerly termed) the roquet-croquet; and in the "tight" 
game, it being the croquet. Some years ago both these 
plays were allowed or required in the same game, and left 

1* 5 



6 INTRODUCTION. 

optional witli the player as to whicli of the two he would 
use in any specified play. 

To determine something uniform, a large representation 
of players, in convention in Philadelphia, February 12, 1880, 
resolved themselves into a "National Croquet League" 
(see proceedings of Convention on succeeding pages), and 
adopted a code of rules, sanctioned not only by the large 
representation by delegation, but also by a still larger 
membership by correspondence. 

The subject of implements was thoroughly reviewed, 
and some modifications made. The wickets were reduced 
in size, and required to be six inches between posts, and 
stand about ten inches out of the ground. They should 
be made of good steel wire, and if silver- or nickel-plated 
will be more easily preserved. 

The halls have been reduced in diameter to three and 
three-eighths inches as the standard. The material was 
left optional, with most emphatic recommendation in favor 
of boxwood, though the Tenax (a patent ball of undoubted 
merit) and a properly vulcanized rubber ball were indorsed. 

The mallets were left to the preference of each respec- 
tive player. That form most largely adopted is with a 
head of seven or eight inches length by two and a half 
inches diameter of face, made of box or lignum-vitae. 
Some recommended very earnestly bands of metal around 
the ends. The handles should be of hickory or good ash 
about twenty or twenty-two inches long. 

The limits of the grounds were reduced to 72 feet by 
36 feet, allowing of an increase of six (6) feet each way, 
where the grounds will admit of it. 

Markers have been an essential in the equipment for a 
game. By their careful use the status of the game can be 



INTRODUCTION. 7 

seen at any time, thus avoiding questionings and the fre- 
quency of errors usually prevailing where the record can- 
not be seen. 

The work thus far accomplished gives encouragement to 
believe it a very decided step towards a uniform and gen- 
erally accepted code. 



OOlsrYEI^TTION. 



Philadelphia, February 12, 1880. 

In compliance with a circular invitation, issued to the vari- 
ous Croquet Clubs, eighteen representatives convened, and 
resolved themselves into a Convention to frame a code of 
rules for the game of Croquet. The convention organized 
by electing George W. Johnson, of the Lemon Hill Croquet 
Club, President, and David Evans, of the Pennsylvania 
Croquet Club, Secretary and Treasurer. 

The Convention immediately proceeded to the consideration 
of the rules of the game, and unanimously adopted the follow- 
ing, as found hereafter. 

In view of the desirability of a medium for future modifi- 
cations, the Convention resolved itself into a permanent organ- 
ization, to be known as The ISTational Croquet League, and 
Messrs. Lewis "W. Moore, of the West Philadelphia Croquet 
Club, Jos. T. Barnhurst, of the Philadelphia Croquet Club, 
and David Evans, of the Pennsylvania Croquet Club, were 
appointed a committee to draft a Constitution and By-Laws 
for its government. 

The League then proceeded to the consideration and adop- 
tion of a Code for the Government of Friendly Contests between 
Clubs of The National Croquet League. 

Adjourned to meet upon call of the President. 
Dayid Evans, Secretary. 

Address, 427 "Walnut Street. 

Philadelphia, March 4, 1880. 
Upon call of the President, The National Croquet League 
convened this evening. President Johnson in the chair. 
8 



CONVENTION. 9 

The Committee upon Constitution and By-Laws reported, 
"wliich, with slight modifications, was adopted. 

It was resolved that the rules of the game, as adopted in 
convention of the 12th ult., be and the same are hereby 
enacted as the standard for the government of clubs in this 
League. 

Resolved^ That the present officers act until the meeting in 
April, at which officers for the year will be elected, as provided 
in the Constitution. 

Messrs. J. Milton Borland, of the "West Philadelphia Cro- 
quet Club, Jos. T, Barnhurst, of the Philadelphia Croquet 
Club, and David Evans, of the Pennsylvania Croquet Club, 
were appointed a committee with power to arrange for the 
publication of rules, etc. 

Adjourned. 

David Evans, Secretary, 



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EXILES. 



I.-THE GROUNDS. 

The bounds should be 72 feet by 36 -feet, and designated 
by string or small stakes. The posts and wickets should 
be placed as in the accompanying diagram or plan of the 
ground. The spaces should be specially observed or their 
proportions. Play should follow the numbers to the turn- 
ing-post, and the letters from it. 

Note. — The ground should be as near a dead level as it is 
possible to have it. The grass kept well cut, and the turf even 
by frequent rolling, which is most efficiently done after a rain 
or a sprinkling. In the diagram the approved mode of setting 
the basket is given. Where it is possible, the bounds may be 
increased three feet on each side. 

II.-PLAYERS. 

1. Four balls, played two on each side, are required for 
a game. Players may be added ad infinitum. 

Note. — If there are not four players, a game may be ar- 
ranged according to the genius of those at hand. A player 
may use two balls, provided they be of a side. The addition 
of more balls detracts from its interest. 

2. The sides should be as evenly balanced as possible. 

Note. — The recognized strongest or* weakest players should 
choose their partners. The right of first choice may be decided 

11 



12 RULES FOR THE 

in many ways, but that commonly in vogue on the field is to 
place the ball under the first wicket, and strike for the starting- 
post. The one that lies nearest, when at rest, has the first 
choice. 

3. The sides should be designated by some well under- 
stood device, and players of opposing sides should alter- 
nate. 

Note. — a. The colors red, white, blue, and yellow have been 
largely adopted, the order being easily remembered, since the 
first three are the national colors. The red and blue shall 
constitute one side, and the white and yellow the other. 

h. The players are now very commonly indicated by slight 
grooves turned in the balls, — one, two, three, and four grooves 
respectively. The odd numbers, one and three, shall consti- 
tute one side, and the even numbers, two and four, the other. 
These grooves must be very slight, or they will injure the 
ball. 

c. Still another mode is the substitution of the domino dots 
for the grooves. 
\ 

III.-IMPLEMENTS. 

1. The arches or wickets should be six (6) inches be- 
tween their posts, and stand about 10 inches out of the 
ground. 

2. The balls should be of boxwood, or if of an artificial 
substance, so weighted as to be about>of equal weight 
with those of boxwood. They must be a true sphere of 
3f inches diameter. 

3. The mallets may be such as suits the choice of each 
respective player. 

4. Markers of some device should be provided, marked 
correspondingly with the respective balls, wherefrom the 
record of the game may at any time be. seen. 



STANDARD GAME OF CROQUET. 



13 




IV —POSITION. 

1. To commence the game the balls take position con- 
secutively on a line at a point midway from the starting- 
post to the centre of the first wicket, 

2. A ball to be in position must be so far 
in front of the wicket, in the line of play, 
that the run can be made by a stroke of the 
mallet. It may be aided by a carom off the 
post of the wicket. 

3. A ball under the wicket or in the bas- 
ket is not in position. 

Note. — This is a digression from the play \ 

of former years, and undoubtedly adds to the 
difficulty of the game. A ball in process of 
running an arch, stopping under -the wicket or in the basket, 
cannot be continued through, but must return to position. 

4. A ball laid under the wicket for the purpose of 
splitting is not in position, no matter 
whence it has been taken. 

5. If a ball lying in advance of a 
wicket is driven through it to position, 
and before resting it rolls in course 
and stops under the wicket, it is not in 
position. 

6. If a ball has gained position by 
virtue of a roquet, and the ball upon 
which the roquet is made should during 
the attempt to execute a split, and be- 
fore the delivery of the stroke, roll from 
its position, the ball must be replaced. 

Note. — This has been objected to upon the ground that the 
player is bound by the roll of the ball. That may be so, and 




< .' 



14 RULES FOR THE 

is, where the position is sought by a blow of the mallet, but 
not where the position is already earned by the roquet. The 
player is entitled to and ought to play the ball from the posi- 
tion assumed when first at rest. Subsequent moving of the 
balls is but accidental. The right to replace should be equiv- 
alent to the replacement of a ball which has rolled from contact 
in the execution of a split after having been placed and before 
the delivery of the stroke. 



V.-STRIKING. 

1. A ball must be struck, and in no case pushed. The 
blow in every case must be with the face of the mallet. 

Note. — There has been much controversy about the push- 
shot. It is difficult here to explain just what it is. It will at 
once appear to the careful observer. It must be borne in 
mind, however, that not all is push that has the appearance 
of it. It is palpable to the practised that a follow-shot may 
not be a push. By a clear sweep of the mallet, the ball, so 
soon as struck, leaves the mallet. In the event of a second 
contact, there would be distinctly discernible the second sound ■ 
of concussion, which is not the case in the follow-shot ; hence 
it is a legitimate play. 

2. TVlienever the ball moves, though but slightly, it 
being struck with the mallet in play, it must be considered 
a play. 

3. Should two balls lie in contact, — in billiards said to be 
" frozen," — one of which is to play, the player must use 
them as if just roquetted. 

4. A ball may be blocked, — that is, the player may drive 
the playing ball, in roquet, so against the ball roquetted as 
to advance it any given distance, — from which position it 
may be dealt with as privileged by other rules. 

Note. — This is a most delicate play, and may tell largely to 



STANDARD GAME OF CBOQUET. 



15 



the advantage of sucli as can successfully employ it ; it should 
be largely practised before attempting its use in a game upon 
which reputation is staked. 



i 




>' L 







Example. — In the diagram ball 2 is to play for position in 
front of the wicket. By roquetting ball 1 stoutly it is ad- 
vanced to 1, from which position it may be dealt with as 
allowed by the rules. This play is called a block, in contra- 
distinction to the ordinary roquet. It is a most popular stroke, 
but few use it successfully. 

5. A ball may not be driven or settled into the ground 
to enable the jumping of wickets, dead balls, or obstacles 
of the grounds. 

6. If a player strikes out of turn, and it is discovered 
during the play, the player must stop, the balls to remain 
where they rest, and all wickets made for self or partner 
during the play shall be forfeited ; wickets made in course 
of the play for an opponent cannot be claimed. 

7. If a player strikes out of turn, and it is discovered 



16 



RULES FOR THE 



dnring any subsequent play, the player having erred shall 
not forfeit the points made during such play. 

8. If the turns have become disordered in play, and 
upon discovery it cannot be positively put upon any player, 
the order must be immediately righted and the play pro- 
ceed. 

9. If a j)layer uses a wrong ball, and it is discovered, he 
forfeits further j^lay for that turn. 

10. A player continues his play so long as he advances 
by running a wicket in course, or roquets a ball according 
to the rules provided for that play. 



VI.— ADVANCING. 

1. Numeral wickets must be run in direction from start- 
ing- to turning^post ; lettered wickets from turning- to start- 
ing-post. Such running is termed " in course." 

2. Wickets may be run by a stroke of the mallet, by 
roquet, or by sj)litting. 

3. Wickets may be run two at a time, but such a play 

does not entitle to any 
I additional advantage. 

4. A wicket made in 
conjunction with, but 
subsec[uent to, a roquet, 
and from the one stroke 
of the mallet, cannot be 
taken as an advance, but 
must be run again. 

Note. — The allowance 
of advantages for double 
plays — two wickets, a roquet and a wicket, or the like, made 
at once — niio-lit do fertile encourao'ement of learners. Half 




STANDARD GAME OF CROQUET. 



11 



such double plays had best not be made at all. To offer a 
premium for such accidental play is to detract from the 
beauties of the game. 

5. A wicket is run when the ball is so far through that 
it cannot be touched by a mallet handle laid across and 
against the two posts of the wicket upon the side whence 
the ball came. 

6. If a ball running the wicket rolls back and rests under 
the wicket, it has not advanced ; the wicket must be run 
again. 

Note. — Questions of position can only be determined when 
the ball is at rest. In many instances it 
would be impossible to decide whether the 
ball, when it began to roll back, was through 
or not. The rule avoids discussion upon the 
subject. 

7. If a ball lying in advance of a wicket 
is driven through it to position, and then, 
before resting, rolls back through the 
wicket in course, it has not advanced. 

8. If a player runs a wrong wicket, 
and it is discovered, the play must be 
stopped, and all points made subsequent 
to the wrong play cancelled. 

9. A ball struck against the turning- 
post in course acquires the same privileges as when it runs 
a wicket in course, and is said to have advanced. 




VII.— ROQUET. 

1. A ball roquets another when it comes in contact with 
it by a direct stroke of the mallet, or a carom from any 

2* . 



18 RULES FOR THE 

object of the ground other than a boundary, or from an- 
other ball. 

2. A player having roquetted a ball must split it, pro- 
vided that the playing-ball has not already, in this turn, 
roquetted that same ball since running a wicket. 

Note. — Koquet upon a ball the second time in the one play 
before running a wicket is not to be allowed, the roquetted 
balls being dead to the plajn'ng-ball in the same play until an 
advance or wicket is made. To roquet a second time thus 
should forfeit further play, unless in running a wicket the 
roquetted ball might prove an obstacle, in which case the ball 
would be considered in the same light as any other obstacle. 
Also, would it be so considered where the roquetted ball should 
lie "frozen" with the playing-ball, or so as to prevent the 
playing-ball from securing position or lying near a partner? 

3. A player is at liberty at any time of play to roquet 
any ball on the field, having regard to the preceding rule. 

4. In the event of a wicket being run at the time of, 
and subsequent to, a roquet, and from the same stroke of 
the mallet, the roquet must be played without regard to 
the wicket run, and the advance made again. 

5. A player roquetting several balls with one stroke of 
the mallet is said to ricochet, but the first ball struck is 
the only one that can be used. 

Note. — Pormerly the balls were played in the order of 
contact. 

6. A ball is not roquetted, though struck by a ball ad- 
vancing, unless the space between the ball struck and the 
arch be equal to the diameter of the ball, or unless the 
roquetting ball is in such position at the time of contact 
as to be throuoh the wicket advanced. 



STANDARD GAME OF CROQUET. 



19 



Note. — From the diagram No. 1 it is quite evident that 
though the number one ball is roquetted by the three ball, the 
three ball, being in the act of advancing, has not completed the 
play until the wicket be passed ; hence, the contact being prior, 
the roquet cannot be taken, but if desirable the ball must be 
struck a second time. It is quite plain that if the 07ie ball was 
in advance of the wicket a distance equal to the diameter of the 
ball, the three ball would necessarily have passed the wicket. 





However, it must be observed from diagram No. 2 that 
the two ball may be roquetted from the peculiar position it 
occupies, though but a short distance in advance of the wicket, 
the four ball being entirely through the wicket at or before 
the contact, and hence has roquetted, and must proceed to play 
the split. 

VIII.-SPLITTING. 

1. Splitting is consequent upon the roquet, and must 
follow it, being necessary to the completion of the play of 
roquet. 

Note. — The term splitting, as used here, is a substitution 
for the old and awkward "roquet-roquet," and has been 
adopted as more fitting and as better indicating the character 
of the play. 



2. The split is played by the roquetting ball being laid 



20 RULES FOR THE 

aside the one roquetted, and the stroke delivered upon the 
roquetting ball so as to move both balls. 

Note. — Absolute contact is not to be insisted upon, though 
the rule certainly requires they shall be as nearly so as is 
practicable. 

3. If the roquetted ball is not moved in the execution 
of the split there is a failure, and further play in that turn 
is forfeited. 

4. If there is a difference of opinion as to whether the 
roquetted ball did or did not move in the execution of the 
split, it shall (as all other questions in dispute) be deter- 
mined by the majority of the players, unless there be an 
umpire for such purposes. 

5. A ball may be split either through its own wicket or 
upon the turning or starting-post when in course, in any 
of which cases the ball has advanced. 

6. In splitting, the ball roquetted must not be moved, 
prior to the delivery of the mallet stroke, except by per- 
mission. If it should roll, it must be replaced, as the roll 
was presumably caused by the placing of the balls. 

7. In splitting, the playing ball must not be pounded or 
settled into the ground to enable it to retain its position 
while the roquetted ball is struck off. 

IX.— DEAD BALLS. ^ 

1. At the commencement of a game, if the ball of a 
player fails to run the first wicket, said bail is not to be 
considered dead to the other or succeeding balls, but may 
be played upon and used as in any other stage of the game ; 
that is, it may be immediately roquetted by the succeeding 
or other ball, and even without said succeeding or other 
ball having run the first wicket. From the placing of a 



STANDARD GAME OF CROQUET. 21 

ball upon the starting-point it may play any point of the 
game. 

Note. — From some reason crudely defined it has heretofore 
been customary to make a distinction between the first wicket 
and any other by calling a ball which has failed to run it a 
boohi/, and allowing it extra privileges or imposing upon it 
some penalties. Two methods of play have been most com- 
mon — the one allowing the booby to be immediately picked up 
and played from the starting-point at the next turn ; the other, 
allowing the booby to remain on the ground, but forbidding 
all use of it by roquet. 

In the first case the booby has an advantage, since by play- 
ing booby intentionally the first player may lose his turn, and 
thus come in last instead of first, which may be desirable to a 
good player. Now suppose that all the plaj^ers should have 
the same preference, by continually playing booby the game 
would never commence. 

In the second case the booby has a disadvantage if out of 
position, when it would require two plays to make the wicket. 
If in position, it would prove an obstacle to succeeding balls 
in their play for the wicket, thus giving it a great advantage. 
There seems to be no reason why any difi"erence should be 
made respecting this particular play, unless there was a diffi- 
culty in the application of the general rules. As there seems 
to be no difiSculty of the kind, there certainly is no reason in 
the practice of the booby, in either of its phases. 

2. A ball split upon is dead to the roquetting ball during 
a turn until an advance is made by the roquetting ball. 

3. A ball split upon by a rover is dead to that rover 
durins; that turn. 

. 4. Play upon a dead ball works forfeiture of further play 
for that turn, except the dead ball be an obstacle in the 
line of play, and the opposite side is given notice of the 
fact. 



22 RULES FOR THE 

X.-ROVERS. 

1. A ball having accomplished the run of all the wickets 
" in course" is a rover. 

2. A rover has no privileges not accorded to any other 
ball, and since there are no wickets to be made, is entitled 
to but one roquet upon each ball during a turn. 

3. Rovers must be continued in the game until partners 
become rovers, and go out successively. 

Note. — Opponents cannot put each other out. The old 
play of splitting a rover out and leaving the remaining part- 
ner to finish the game alone has been abolished as being too 
one-sided. Under this rule when a roquet is made by a rover, 
and the playing ball glances and strikes the starting-post, it 
is not out. If in roquetting a partner who is a rover, the 
partner is driven against the starting-post, it is not out. In 
order to terminate the game the balls of the partners must go. 
out together : that is to say, the first ball out must be immedi- 
ately followed by the other before any intervening strokes are 
taken. 

XI.-PLACEMENTS. 

1. A ball accidentally displaced must be by the owner 
of the ball immediately returned to the place where it was 
lying before play proceeds. 

2. A" ball driven beyond the boundary line must be 
placed at once, and before play proceed, at. the point where 
it crossed the line, and played from thence ; though no ball 
thus placed should be blocked, and if blocked must be re- 
placed for splitting. 

Note. — Some players object to this placement, and prefer 
that the ball should be brought in to a point on the line nearest 
the place where it rested. Others prefer that it should be 
brought to the line at an equal distance from the point of 



STANDARD GAME OF CROQUET. 23 

crossing witli that to which it rested, except where the dis- 
tance is greater than six feet. 

3. If a ball is driven for a roquet upon a ball located 
upon the boundary line and fails to strike, but jumps over 
the ball and passes beyond, it shall be placed immediately 
in front of and in contact with the first located ball, and 
shall be dealt with as if it were actually upon the line. 

4. If a ball is interrupted accidentally during its passage, 
the play shall be taken over. 

5. A dead ball struck and moved shall be replaced by 
its owner. 

XII.-RECORDING. 

1. A player must move bis marker as he advances. A 
failure so to record the state of his game before his partnei 
plays shall work a forfeiture of points advanced, and play 
must be continued from the wicket upon which the marker 
rests. 

2. The marker should be so placed as to indicate the 
wicket to be advanced next. 

XIII.-THE END. 

When the balls of one side have accomplished the ad- 
vances " in course," and struck the starting-post, the game 
is won. 



COT^STITUTIOK 



AKTICLE I. 



This Association shall he styled "The National Croquet 
League," with headquarters in the City of Philadelphia, State 
of Pennsylvania, United States. 

ARTICLE IL 

The object of this League shall be the fostering, improving, 
and popularizing the game of Croquet, and the securing of 
a uniform code of rules acceptable to players of the game 
throughout the country. 

AETICLE III. 

Sec. 1. Membership in the League shall be granted to all 
clubs who may signify by resolution their desire for such mem- 
bership. 

Sec. 2. Eepresentation in the League shall be of two kinds, 
viz., by delegation and by correspondence. 

a. Delegations may consist of three representatives from 
each of the respective clubs, members of the League ; and 
each club so represented shall be entitled to three votes. 

b. Correspondence shall be by the Secretaries of the respec- 
tive clubs, and they shall be entitled to record three votes, by 
resolution of the club, upon any question submitted for de- 
termination. 

Sec. 3. All questions affecting the rules of the game shall 
be determined by a vote of the membership clubs, upon state- 
ment to them by circular letter, and the vote returned to the 
Secretary of the League, specifying the number of individuals 
voting and the majority and minority count. 
24 



CONSTITUTION. 25 



AKTICLE lY. 

The officers of the League shall be a President, Yice-Presi- 
dent, Secretary, and Treasurer, whose duties shall be those 
usually appertaining to these offices : and an Executive Com- 
mittee, to be comprised of one representative from each club, 
members of the League, sufficiently near to Philadelphia to 
meet regularly at the sessions of the committee ; which com- 
mittee shall have absolute authority upon all questions of busi- 
ness, the assessment and expenditure of all moneys, as also the 
preparation of business to be transacted at the annual session 
of the League. 

AKTICLE V. 

Sec. 1. The League shall hold an annual session, commen- 
cing upon the second Monday in April, at such time and place 
as may be designated by the Executive Committee. 

Sec. 2. The Executive Committee shall hold its sessions on 
the first Monday evening of each month, as arranged by said 
committee. 

Sec. 3. The President may call the Executive Committee to 
special session, and the Executive Committee may convene the 
League in special session. One week's notice shall be given 
in the first case, and one month's notice in the latter. 

AKTICLE YL 

9 

All rules of the game when once adopted by a majority of 
the clubs members of this League, shall be accepted and be 
binding upon all other clubs members hereto. 

AKTICLE YII. 

This Constitution may be amended by a vote of two-thirds 
majority of the members of the League at any annual session. 



8 



BY-LAWS. 



Law 1. At any meeting of tlie League five clubs represented 
shall constitute a quorum. 

Law 2. Each club elected to membership in this League 
shall be subject to a pro-rata assessment to defray the expenses 
of this League ; and all clubs being three months in arrears, 
the. Executive Committee shall be empowered to suspend. 

Law 3. At each annual meeting the members constituting 
the Executive Committee shall be designated, and subsequent 
changes shall be upon notice from the officers of the respective 
clubs. 

Law 4. The election of officers for the League shall be an- 
nually at its session in April, by ballot, and a majority vote 
shall be required to elect to any office. 

Law 5. a. The officers of the League shall be ex-officio 
members of the Executive Committee, but shall have no vote. 

&. The Secretary of the League shall be Secretary of the 
Executive Committee. 

c. The Executive Committee shall be entitled to seats ex- 
officio in the League, and entitled to the floor in debate, but 
no vote except through their respective club delegations. 

Law 6. Each club in this League shall be entitled to one 
vote upon any question submitted. In the election of officers 
each delegate shall have a ballot. 

Law 7. No expense shall be incurred by the Executive Com- 
mittee other than for printing, stationery, and postage, except 
the immediate and necessary expenses of the annual sessions. 

Law 8. The Executive Committee shall receive and may 
determine appeals from clubs members hereof, and if deemed 
26 



BY-LA WS. 27 

"best may state the appeal for vote, and submit it "by circular 
for ballot. 

Law 9. The following shall be the order of business : 

1. Eoll of Delegates. 

2. Beading of Minutes. 

3. Report of Officers. 

4. Eeport of Executive Committee. 

5. Eeport of Special Committees. 

6. Unfinished Business. 

7. ISTew Business. 

8. Election of Officers. 

9. Adjournment. 

Law 10. These By-Laws may be amended at any annual 
session by a two-thirds majority vote of members. 



CODE 



FOR THE 

GOVERNMENT OF ERIENDLT CONTESTS BETWEEN CLUES OF 
THE "NATIONAL CROQUET LEAGUE." 



1. Invitations to friendly contests shall be communicated in 
writing, over the signature of the Secretary, and shall set forth 
the resolution of the club or Executive Committee author- 
izing it. 

2. Clubs receiving such invitation shall, through their au- 
thorized committee, take cognizance of it as early as conve- 
nient, and communicate the result to the club from whom it 
was received. An acceptance shall state explicitly the time 
and place, and nominate three eligible members of near clubs 
connected with this League to act as umpire upon the occa- 
sion. 

3. Nine games shall constitute a friendly contest. 

4. The time being fixed, and either party failing to report 
for play within thirty (30) minutes subsequent to such time, 
unless a reason satisfactory to the umpire is furnished on or 
before the day following, the games specified for that day may 
be claimed by the party " on time," and shall be so awarded 
by the umpire. 

5. The umpire shall be selected by the inviting club from 
the three nominated by the club invited, if one of them can 
be had to serve. If not, the invited club shall nominate from 
among the members of near clubs in this League by threes 
until an umpire shall be found. 

6. The time for the playing of friendly contests shall be 

28 



CODE. 29 

limited to the season between June 1st and October 31st 
annually. 

7. No individual, having played in a friendly contest, and 
subsequently changing his membership, shall be eligible in 
the same season to represent a second club in such a contest. 

8. No individual, a member in two or more clubs, can rep- 
resent in any season other than the club as whose representa- 
tive he first played. 

9. The honor contended for shall be a local championship, 
and shall be determined by the greatest number of contests 
won among the clubs of the respective localities, members in 
this League. 

10. No game or contest shall be played in which a stake or 
forfeit is laid. 

11. Any club desiring to contend for a local championship 
shall hold itself ready to play any or all of the membership 
of the League. 

12. The result of any contest shall be forwarded by the 
umpire to the Secretary of the League for record. 

13. To purge the croquet-field of objectionable characters, it 
shall be comity for clubs dropping such from their roll of mem- 
bership for immoral practices or unbecoming actions, to notify 
neighboring clubs, members of this League, of such action. 



J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., 

715 and 717 Market Street. 



Stationery Department. 

1~^~, 

J. B. Lippincott ^ Co. tahe pleasure in 
announcing that they have for sale com- 
plete lines of Croquet, Lawn Tennis, Archery, etc., 
which they are prepared to supply in any 
quantity and at moderate prices. 

Special arrangements made with Clubs, 



CROQUET. 

EACH. 
No. 0. Eight-Ball Set. Full size dovetail Box, hinged and clasped. A 

varnished set, and the cheapest jper/ec^ full set made $1.15 

" 8. Eight-Ball Set. Full varnished dovetail Box, hinged and clasped. 1.25 
" 7. " " Fancy turned Mallets, ash handles, fancy Stakes, 

extra heavy varnish 1.75 

" 6. " " With ornamental painted Mallets, Balls and Han- 

dles painted two stripes, two large Stakes, heavy 

enamelled Arches 2.00 

" 5. Eight-Ball Set. Selected stock. Mallets one inch longer than com- 
mon set, inch-wide stripe,, two extra heavy Stakes, Balls and 
Handles finished with three stripes, heavy enamelled Arches,... 2.75 
" 4. Eight-Ball Extra Set. Selected rock-maple Balls and Mallets. 
Soaked in oil to prevent chipping, handles second growth ash, 
and all finished with seven stripes, fancy turned Mallets and 
Stakes, and elegantly painted ; extra heavy Arches. This set 

cannot be excelled for finish and durability 4.00 

"11. Four-Ball Set; Perfect goods, square Box, hinged cover and clasped .75 

" 9. Six-Ball Set. Full size dovetail Box, hinged and clasped 1.00 

"80. " " Hard wood, good stock, finished in oil 1.20 

" 2. Four-Ball Professional Set. Long Mallets and short Handles, var- 
nish finish 1.50 

31 



32 CROQUET AND LA WN TENNIS. 

EACH 

No. 3. Four-Ball Set. Long, fancy turned Mallets ; Balls and Mallets 

extra painted and varnished $2.50 

" 1. Four-Ball Professional Set. Long rock-maple Mallets; Handles 
24 inches long, and ribbed ; large fancy Stakes. A very popular 
set 3.00 



LAWN TENNIS SETS. 

PEE SET. 

No. 1. — Four Bats, regulation in size and weight, with wooden handles ; 
four plain, rubber, inflated Balls; two brass-tipped, polished, 
hard-wood Poles, in sections, to pack in box ; Net of stout 
cordage, 26 x i%; two Guy Ropes, Kunners, four Boundary 

Pegs, Mallet, Book of Rules, in stout box, complete $15.00 

We claim that this set is regulation in every particular, and we 
commend it to the closest inspection of our customers. It is 
the cheapest and best set ever put on the market. 

No. 2. — Four Bats, two of which are finer in finish, and adapted for ladies ; 
two portable Poles same as in No. 1 ; two plain, rubber, inflated, 
and two covered Balls; Net 26 X 4%; Guy Ropes, Runners, 
Boundary Pegs, Mallet, Rules of Game, all complete, in fine box. 20.00 
This set is better in every respect than No. 1, and we submit it 
as a very serviceable set. 

No. 3. — Four Bats, superior in finish to those in No. 2 ; with superior 
Poles ; three plain, three covered Balls. All complete, in a 
polished box 25.00 

No. 4. — ^Four Bats, superior to English six-dollar Bat; six covered Balls, 
and six plain and regulation ; two hard-wood portable Poles, 
in sections, with polished brass ferrules and fancy turned caps; 
Net 26 X 4% ; polished Mallet, Boundary Pegs, Book of Rules, 

in a superior finished box, mounted in brass 30.00 

This is the cheapest set to buy. 

No. 5. — Four Bats, fine, well-strung, carefully selected for ladies and 
gentlemen, with well perforated wood handles; twelve Balls, 
as in No. 4 ; Poles as in No. 4 ; Net of stout cordage, 33 X 4%, 
with ornamental tassels ; Boundary Pegs, Lines and Runners, 
Mallets and Rules, in finely polished box of superior finish 40.00 

No. 6. — Club Set. Four of our very best Match Bats ; twelve Balls, 
covered with felt, regulation ; Tennis Net, either 33 or 36 X 5 ; 
Badminton Net, with ornamental tassels ; portable Poles, with 
silver connecting ferrules ; mahogany Racket Press for straight- 
ening the Rackets; mounted in brass, for holding four Bats; 
eight loaded Shuttlecocks for playing the game of Badminton. 
All complete in a fine highly polished oak box, mounted in 
polished brass 50.00 



LAWN TENNIS. 33 

BALLS. 

PER DOZ. 

No. 1. Lawn Tennis Balls, 2,% in diameter $2.00 

" 2. " " 2% " regulation English 3.00 

" 3. " " cloth covered, 2% 4.00 

" 4. ' " " " 2% 5.00 

" 5. " " " canvas 5.00 

" 6. " " " chamois 5.00 

" 7. " " " felt, 2%, regulation English... 6.00 

'« 8. " " " silk, fancily crocheted 6.60 

For ordinary use and wet weather we recommend the No. 2 Ball. For matches 

and scientific games No. 7 is required. 

RACKETS.— American. 

All made by experienced English workmen, and by men that know how to 
play the game as well as to make the materials. 

EACH. 

No. 0. With wood or kid handles, strung, with good stout gut $2.00 

" 1. " " " " " fine stout gut 3.00 

" 2, With lamb gut, finely finished 4.00 

" 3. With gut, finely finished 5.75 

*' 4. With lamb gut, cedar handles or cane handles that will not blister 

the hands when in use 6.00 

" 5. Regulation celebrated Scotch Bats, played by Scotch champions.... 6.25 

" 6. Cork Handle Bats, preventing hands from slipping 6.50 

" 7. Gibraltar Bat, double string, enabling twist and cut service 8.00 

" 8. Olympic strings, very superior Bat. We invite attention to the 

curious stringing 9.00 

" 9. Prize Bats, with 10 different kinds of wood, and highly polished 

handle „ $8.00-15.00 



RACKETS.— English. 

In ordering for clubs be careful not to order any low-priced English Bats. 

EACH. 

Lawn Tennis Bats, No. 1, Eton $2.50 

" " " No. 2, St. James 3.00 

" " " No. 3, Marylebone 4.00 

" " " No. 4, Henry V 5.00 

" " " No. 5, Alexandra 5.75 

" " " No: 6, Jeffries' Match Bat 5.75 

Lawn Tennis Balls, No. 7, Jeffries' plain 6.00 

" " " No. 8, Double String 9.00 

" " " No. 9, Olympic String 10.00 

„ " " No. 10, Prize Bats, from $8.00-20.00 



34 ARCHERY. 

ARCHERY. 

(For special use of clubs.) 
BOWS (self Lancewood). 

EACH. 

No. 25. 5 ft , made to weight $3.00 

" 26. 5 " 3 in., made to weight 3.50 

" 27. 5 " 6 " " " 3.75 

" 28. 6 " " " 400 

ARROWS. 

No. 14. 25 in., 3^ nocked, pr. doz $2.25 

" 15. 28 " % " " 2.50 

"18. 25 " full " " :.^.. 4.00 

" 19. 28 " " " " '..'Z 4.50 

(Catalogues of Archery Goods may be had on application.) 

A full line of Bows, Arrows, Targets, etc., at various prices, 
constantly on hand. 

J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., 

71? and 717 Market Street, Philadelphia. 
STATIONERY DEPARTMENT. 




stationery Department. 



BLANK BOOKS 

In great variety, of our own manufacture, 
at greatly reduced prices. 



BLANK BOOKS MADE TO ORDER 
ON MOST REASONABLE TERMS. 

Writing Papers, Envelopes. 

Siimjiles showing reduced figures furnislied on application. 

School Slates. 

CHALK, SLATE, AND LEAD PENCILS. 

We import and. make a specialty of the following 

well-known staples : 

Arnold's, Aiitoine's, and **B" Inks, Whatman's Draw- 
ing Papers, Reynolds's Bristol Board, French 
Copying Books and Paper, French Grand 
Quadrille, Rodgers's Steel Erasers, 
German Slate Pencils, Math- 
ematical Instruments. 



Correspondence solicited, and quotations furnished. 

J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., 

Wholesale and Retail 

Stationers, Importers, and Blank Book Manufacturers. 



